Three colleagues from Charlie Bigham’s Dulcote Quarry in Wells have dedicated themselves to restoring the Strawberry Line, a former railway track spanning around 10 miles through the Mendip Hills. Gerald Dube, Nicholas Muridzi, and Wisdom Logozo began this rewarding journey a year ago, turning overgrown paths into inviting spaces for walkers and cyclists alike.
This project is part of Charlie Bigham’s extensive volunteering programme, which encourages employees to give back to their local communities. For Gerald, Nicholas, and Wisdom, it’s more than just volunteering—it’s a chance to embrace nature, foster friendships, and contribute meaningfully.
Gerald, 42, who relocated from Zimbabwe to Somerset with his family, shared, “I wanted to get outside, meet people, and do something valuable. When the company mentioned that the Strawberry Line needed maintenance—trimming bushes, clearing paths—I signed up immediately.” Their work involves clearing overgrowth, pruning trees, litter picking, and raking, all undertaken for four hours every Friday outside their usual work hours. Remarkably, the company continues to pay them for this time—a gesture Gerald calls “a real sign of appreciation.”
Stretching from Yatton to Cheddar and passing through Shepton Mallet and Wells, the Strawberry Line has been transformed by the trio and their fellow volunteers into a scenic route appreciated by many, including some colleagues who now use it for their daily commute.
Before joining Charlie Bigham’s team, the three men were strangers, but through this shared effort, they have become close friends. Wisdom, 31, originally from Ghana, explained, “It’s all about fresh air and fun. We work at our own pace; it’s physical exercise that’s great for the mind. Plus, the local wildlife, like curious squirrels and rabbits, make it even more special.”
Nicholas, 49, also originally from Zimbabwe, highlighted the social benefits: “It’s relaxing and clears your head. We laugh and talk; it’s more than work—it’s a community.”
Charlie Bigham, the company’s founder, emphasizes the importance of volunteering as part of the business’s mission to support the community. In 2024 alone, employees dedicated nearly 4,500 hours to charity work, with a goal of reaching 10,000 hours by 2027. The company also donates 2.5% of after-tax profits to their Giving Back Fund, further supporting local initiatives.
“We’re extremely proud of our team,” said Charlie Bigham. “Engaging over 700 colleagues in meaningful work embodies our purpose: producing delicious food while doing business responsibly. Since the beginning, we’ve valued every person involved in our food’s journey. Building a strong community within and beyond our company is central to who we are. We want to inspire other businesses to make a positive impact on people and the planet.”
Pamela Schmid, People Director at Charlie Bigham’s, added: “Our commitment extends beyond making delicious food—we aim to create a workplace that our people love and contribute to a sustainable world. From thoughtful packaging and ingredient sourcing to team interactions and community programs, everything we do reflects this ethos.”